History

Since its founding in 1900 by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Mellon University has focused on finding real solutions to the problems facing society. Whether they attended Carnegie Technical Schools (1900-1912), Carnegie Institute of Technology (1912-1967) or Carnegie Mellon University (1967-present), our alumni became the innovators of their generation who made a difference in the world. Carnegie Mellon is a national and international leader in higher education, and it continues to be known using interdisciplinary collaboration to solve real-world problems.

Our Founder

The story of the university's founder — Andrew Carnegie — is also remarkable. A self-described "working-boy" with an "intense longing" for books, Andrew Carnegie immigrated from Scotland with his family in 1848 and settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He became a self-educated entrepreneur, whose Carnegie Steel Company grew to be the world's largest producer of steel by the end of the 19th century.

On November 15, 1900, Andrew Carnegie formally announced: "For many years I have nursed the pleasing thought that I might be the fortunate giver of a Technical Institute to our City, fashioned upon the best models, for I know of no institution which Pittsburgh, as an industrial centre, so much needs." He concluded with the words "My heart is in the work," which would become part of the school's official seal, designed by Tiffany and adopted in May 1912.

The Mellon family of Pittsburgh and its foundations later became strong and visionary supporters of Carnegie Tech and Carnegie Mellon. Thousands of faculty and staff, students and alumni, corporations, foundations and friends have joined this great educational venture. Carnegie Mellon would not be Carnegie Mellon without their vision, service and commitment.

At the invitation of Qatar Foundation, Carnegie Mellon joined Education City in 2004. Here, Qatar Foundation has created a world-class center for scholarship and research that is the ideal complement to Carnegie Mellon's tradition of innovation through collaboration.

Each university was hand picked to offer some of their most renowned programs. Through a unique agreement, students enrolled at any Education City universities may cross register for classes at all of the others.